Interviewers reward reasoning chains, not memorized definitions. Each topic drills the same answer shape: assumption, mechanism, trade-off, and evidence.
Topic | Lessons | After it you can… | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
4 | Explain latch inference, width, parameters, and carry chains. | 30 min | |
4 | Use nonblocking assignments, stalls, pipelining, and reset correctly. | 30 min | |
4 | Choose FSM encoding and verify Moore/Mealy control. | 30 min | |
4 | Read timing reports and justify setup, hold, and exceptions. | 30 min | |
4 | Build synchronizers, async FIFOs, and reset-domain crossings. | 30 min | |
4 | Use valid/ready, AXI, and SRAM inference for integration. | 30 min | |
4 | Apply clock gating, power domains, and operand isolation. | 30 min | |
4 | Triage X-prop and waveforms and scope ECO fixes. | 30 min | |
5 | Pass code review and draw FIFOs and muxes on a whiteboard. | 40 min |
Step | What to say |
|---|---|
State the assumption | Name the scope and the case where the answer holds. |
Give the mechanism | Describe the circuit or rule in one sentence. |
Show the trade-off | Give the cost and when to skip this choice. |
Name the evidence | Cite the check: sim, STA, CDC, or silicon. |
If any topic is shaky, work it first. Start with Combinational and Arithmetic and practice the chain on latch inference.